Supporters of the Labour Party will now be able to join a new Labour Supporters Network under plans agreed today as part of the Refounding Labour package.

Labour recognises that political parties alone cannot make the changes we need either in Britain as a whole or in our local communities. Our new Supporters Network will reach out to all those people who wish to improve their local communities and country.

Peter Hain MP, Chair of Labour's National Policy Forum, said:

“In order to create a mass movement we need to reach out to a wider range of individual supporters, community groups and national organisations.

“Political parties alone cannot make the changes we need. Our supporters network will enable us to strengthen our links with our local communities, develop ways of working together where we share common aims and talk through our differences honestly where our views diverge.

“This is not about building short-term alliances, it is about acknowledging that we need to work with a wider range of friends who also wish to improve their communities and country.”

In addition to the supporters network, members and former members of the Armed Forces are being invited to join the Labour Party at a reduced rate.

The Labour Party recognises the dedication and service that members and former members of the Armed Forces have given to our country. Their unique experiences are invaluable as we work together to build a fairer country.

The new joining rate of £1 is being offered for the first time ever to current serving members and former members of the armed forces as part of the Refounding Labour package.

Jim Murphy MP, Labour's Shadow Defence Secretary, said:

“Each member of the Armed Forces believed in building a better world when they joined our forces. We are very clear – we are proud of them and the service that they have given to our country.

“Just like them, we believe in a better and fairer country. And that’s why I am delighted to announce that from today if you are a me mber or former member of the Armed Forces then for the first time ever you can join our party for just £1.

”We are the first and the only party to change our rules in this way.”